New Beginnings

I feel tears prickle the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill down my cheeks. I try my best to smile, but my face immediately droops back down.

“Um, think I’m just going to go grab some water,” I stutter and the turn and flee from my friends.

I can feel their eyes on my retreating back, but I refuse to turn around. I push through the double doors, trying to ignore my swimming vision. I can feel my heart thumping against my soft linen shirt, beating to the speed of my quick breaths.

Taking a deep breaths, I try to calm myself, come up with a reasonable explanation for what I just heard. Yet deep down I know what she said is true. She wouldn't lie to me.